Coutinho returns to form in Liverpool’s derby win

The Brazil international led his side to a derby double over city rivals Everton on Saturday

Liverpool painted the town red - winning the Merseyside derby double over rivals Everton for the first time in five years.

Jurgen Klopp’s side followed up on their 1-0 away win in December with a comprehensive 3-1 victory at Anfield that propelled them to third in the Premier League table.

Since the beginning of March, Liverpool have been unbeaten and are showing a real sense of purpose. That winning feeling seems to have rubbed off on their attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who wreaked havoc on the Everton defence, scoring one and assisting another.

The Brazilian returned to action in January after recovering from an ankle injury. Over the week, Klopp watched him and his compatriot Roberto Firmino as the pair helped Brazil become the first team to qualify for the World Cup 2018.

He was particularly impressed by Coutinho’s contribution against Paraguay – which included a fine goal. The forward’s form held strong, living up to the hype in his 73 minutes of Derby game time on Saturday.

The Senegal international seemed to have twisted his ankle while trying to win a loose ball. His impact on the game was crucial as well, as he put his side ahead after just eight minutes.

Mane has now been involved in 18 Premier League goals this campaign, scoring 13 and assisting five – his best in a season.

He also became the first player since Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in the 2013-14 season to score in both ties of the Merseyside derby.

“Today we played a really good game. Nearly everything was perfect, we win it, the performance was good [but] then we lose Sadio Mane.” Klopp said.

The only glitch for the hosts was an injury to Sadio Mane, who has been in brilliant form but had to be substituted after a collision with Everton’s Leighton Baines.